Campotel at Escale Saint-Gilles

Stroll to the cove in less than five minutes for lazy days sunbathing and paddling in shallow waters. A 20-minute walk takes you to Bénodet beach, with its promenade cafés and sailing school – it’s also departure point for sea-fishing cruises or family kayaking trips along the Odet River. There’s a surfing school at Le Letty (10 minutes’ drive), and golfers can be playing a round at Golf de Cornouaille in 25 minutes. Brittany is steeped in history, and the kids might (just) be fascinated with the prehistoric standing stones at Plouhinec (45 minutes), or walking around the medieval walls at Concarneau (35 minutes). Another good ruse to lure them away from the pool is the thought of waterslides and play parks at Parc Odet Loisirs (25 minutes), while a seafront ride on the mini Celtic Train and the promise of stopping off for a chocolate crêpe should keep them smiling too.